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"I studied law in Newcastle for 4 years between 2008 to 2012 and the fact that I still keep tabs with what's happening in the region in 2014 (taking into account that I'm from the other side of the planet!) speaks for itself. My time in the North East has been nothing short of brilliant. I have extensively toured other parts of the country and they are no where close in matching the North East in terms of cultural vibrancy and quality of life. I often get asked by more southerly mates if i was given any 'special' treatment (pun intended) due to me being different in appearance and culture by the 'northern monkeys' as they put it. Truth to be told, I felt it most during my visits to the 'culturally diverse and liberal' South more than anything else. I have made many close friends up North and been accepted into their families as one of their own. Although I am back in Malaysia I believe a part of me will always want to be part of this great place. I intend to return as a contributor to the region in the future in gratitude for the hospitality and countless life experiences it has given me. In essence, the economic state of the region has a lot to do with severe imbalance of government policies over the years more than anything else in my opinion. You need to immerse yourself in something before writing about it Mr Beckett. It's a lot easier to see negative then positive when you stroll through." Ashvin, Malaysia

"It's sad that a guy from down south can write a piece about the North East of England when he barely knows any part of it. This sort of reporting only spreads fear amongst potential business. Detroit from the pictures on Google has no resemblance to the North East that I know and love. Newcastle has had its downturns like any city in the UK and we know that, but separating us out to be like the Detroit of the USA is totally wrong. We are proud of our city, Newcastle is a vibrant friendly place bursting with enthusiasm of new entrepreneurs, small business flourishes, we succeed when times are hard, we are made of tough stuff and will defy anyone who tries to knock us down. For someone who reports about us as being the lost cities of the UK from down south, you are missing out on the true Britain of today. We have survived so much worse through the years and still standing strong and always will, no matter what we care about, who we are and where we live. Maybe faceless London will learn from that eventually and find the true England." Lynne, Gateshead

"The people are friendly and the Northumberland countryside is the best in the country." Phil Liddle, Morpeth

"I first came to Newcastle in 1966 as a French assistant in a local school. I have come back regularly ever since. I now own a house on Tyneside. My best friends are Geordies and my own granddaughter is also one. The north-east is the best place in the UK by far. The people, the history, the energy, the creativity are tremendous. It is also the UK's best kept secret. That is probably why such a load of rubbish found its way in an otherwise respectable paper." Marc Schloesser, Reims, France

"In half hour you can be at the beach or at Hadrian's Wall, or in the middle of Northumberland and nature, Morpeth or Hexham or walk the length of the town centre." Martina, Italy

"When family from the south east visit, and they start to grasp our amazing quality of life. Having previously not spent time in the North East - and probably never really understood why we chose to live here - you see them appreciate the beautiful place we live in, the short drive to the hills or beach, the friends we've made, the mortgage we can afford, etc, etc." Graeme King, Heaton, Newcastle

"Go east for 10-15 miles and I have a choice of lovely beaches, stop short of that and I am in one of the top party cities in Europe. Go a 1/2 mile in any direction and I am surrounded by woodland, 10 miles south west and I can traverse mile after mile of moors. But the best thing is I have no chance of bumping into that PRAT Beckett." Barry Lumsden, Stanley Co. Durham

"It's full of friendly people, for starters. From where I live 20 minutes to the east and I can access the finest beaches in the country, 20 minutes north and the countryside is the most beautiful and I believe that Northumberland county has more castles than any other county in the country. West we have the Lake District and Cumbria, Hadrian's Wall, and other historic places of interest." Lucy Jordan, Newcastle

"Where to start; firstly, pardon the brash language. I do see myself as a bit of a skilled writer, in a similar manner to the comparison between ballroom and street dancing, my style can be a bit edgy. I've recently been to London and I'm in no doubt that it's a very cultural city with many amazing places. However, in places, it is a right dump. No more or less so than the North East, but if we are going to compare then let's at least be fair about it. Personally, I'd much rather live in the Newcastle Upon Tyne because it too is a very cultural place. I attend Newcastle University and I have friends from at least five different continents. Surely there must be something appealing about the region then? We have beautiful countryside, fantastic architecture, immense heritage, great food and cheaper booze. Couple this with our sense of community and legendary sense of humour I think I know where I'd rather be. We even manage to put up with one of the biggest yet unsuccessful football clubs in the world. And we love it. But that's just me." Andy Harding, Newcastle Upon Tyne

"The friendliness and vibrancy of the people, the beautiful scenery, and the outstanding heritage, are just three reasons. There are many more. Yes, there are problem areas, but have you been to Guildford?" Hugh Lamont, Seaton Sluice for the last 23 years (originally Glasgow)

"Space - you have room to move and see the sights around you." Tommy Coates, South Shields

"Because it's not 'The South'." Ade, Cumbria

"The sea, moors and landscape gives freedom to roam, live and breathe. Steely, strong, determined people give their all for family and loved ones day in day out. No veneer, smoke screens or mirrors; what you see is what you get - Saltburn by Sea, roseberry topping, heather laden moors, bridges, boats, rivers and sea... Holy Island and true grit." Maria Wilcock, North Skelton

"Having a World Heritage Site on your doorstep. People travel the world to see Hadrian's Wall, we can visit Roman forts and walk the wall every weekend." Emily Durham, Newcastle

"Increasing cultural expansion and a region-wide desire to embrace it. Cities aren't over-crowded and you can comfortably walk from one destination to another without the need of public transport." Chris Tyrell, Chester-le-Street

"Great beaches, great scenery, great architecture, great people, any other reasons needed." Graeme Darbyshire, Blyth

"When someone insults our region, we don't rest until everyone knows just how wrong they are! The amazing collective pride of being from the North East shines through at times like this." John Carter, Sunderland